The Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) announced that new charges of $180 per passenger departing Samoa will take effect from 1 March 2026, affecting all bookings made or modified after that date.

The departure tax for passengers 12 years and older will increase from $65 to $80, while passengers under 12 will not be affected. In addition, a new Aerodrome Facility Charge of $100 per passenger will apply to all travellers.

This means that anyone departing Samoa who is over 12 years old will pay $180. These charges will be figured into plane fares.

The fee changes have drawn concern from residents.

Edna Eliesa Leota commented, “Everyone should think carefully about the passenger fees. Life is already expensive, and many people cannot afford to pay. Some workers earn very little compared to the high cost of the fees. Many of us are financially struggling. A lot of time is needed to make ends meet. I’ve also heard from other people that unexpected situations make it difficult or impossible for them to pay, and the high passenger fees prevent some from attending family events because they simply cannot afford it.”

Temukisa Ma’anaima also raised concerns, saying, “This could somehow can be a way of stopping people from wanted to traveling here in Samoa in terms of not affordable and not enough money get to think about it someone that wants to come here in Samoa and they don’t have enough money to pay for the fee I could say that person has no choice but not to come here in Samoa.”

The SAA said the fees will be added automatically to bookings, and travellers are encouraged to plan for the increased costs.